H1B, H4 Visa

Hello,

First and foremost I thank all the people who kept on posting their
experiences here in this site. This not only helps the newbees but also builds
confidence of some people(like me)...

Please read thru for conversation/experience...

1st Appearance(H1-B)

VO: Good morning!
Me: Good morning Sir! How are you?

VO: Good. So, how long have you been working in this(Current Company) company?
Me: A little over 2 years

VO: What do you do there(I understood that he was enquiring my role)?
Me: I explained what exatcly I do... but very high-level

VO: How did this employer(H1-B employer) come to know about you?
Me: Explained him the entire process

VO: So, will you be working at client's place?
Me: Yes... (As that is what my employer told me)

VO: Do you have anything from client's end? Any documentation that supports your
earlier awnser?
Me: Not quite... but I do have a letter from my client stating the same...

VO: So, you do not have anything to support that you will be working at client's
place. But I need something...
Me: (By now I am quite nervous) I have list of projects that are being undertaken
by my employer... Service Itenarary...

VO: Give me that...
Me: Given all the documentation I had(Only the ones he asked for)

VO: Do you have any photographs of the company?
Me: Yes sir! (Gave a few pics)

VO: I will be back...
Me: Waited for almost 15 mins...

Finally he comes back...

VO: I am not rejecting your petition... but I need some more documents... to be more
precise... A letter from client stating that they have employed you... and service Itinerary
not the one you have... a more detailed one... and finally lease agreement of your
employer's office...
Me: OK Sir...

2nd Visit(H1-B)...

Now it is a different officer...

VO: Good morning!
Me: Good morning Sir!

VO: Did you get the end-client letter?
Me: Not quite the end-client letter but a letter from a vendor who is between my employer
and the end-client...

VO: No way! I am not going to accept any letter apart from end-client... I know the entire
thing about these third pary vendors... the very process is not legal... all this time
it has been going on... that is OK... but here after, I shall ensure that it will stop...
Me: But it is not possible to get a letter...(I was not let to speak)

Quite agitated by now... gets up from his seat...

VO: I am not going to listen to you... I can reject your case... but I am not doing it...
giving you one last chance to get a letter from end-client...
Me: OK sir... I shall see you again with the necessary documentation...

I contacted my employer... who was not ready to give end-client letter to me... Mean while
my current employer processed L1-Ind... and the interview date arrives...

3 rd visit but for L1-Ind...

VO: Good morning!
Me: Good morning ma'am!

VO: (She checks my passport and is confused) What is status of your H1-B?
Me: It is on hold ma'am. As I could not provide enough documentation, the preivous
officer put my case on hold unless I get back with the necessary documentation...

VO: But I can not proceed with L1-Ind unless status of H1-B is either approved or rejected
Me: (Shocked and speechless)

VO: Tell me. You want to go ahead with L1-Ind or H1-B?
Me: (Completely flabbergasted...Now I have to make a decision in just a few seconds)
    OK, ma'am! I want to go ahead with L1-Ind...

VO: Then what about H1-B?
Me: I would like to cancel it...

VO: Do you know the procedure?
Me: No ma'am!

VO: Wait for a while until I call you...
Me: OK ma'am!(took a seat to sit... Now I am totally cursing myself... because it looked
like neither H1-B nor L1-Ind)

After about 45 mins I get a call from the same officer...

VO: I can see the note on my screen written by the officer who interviewed you before
saying that all the documents you had provided were fraudulent...
Me: Really? (Shocked again...)

VO: Now, you tell me the real things that happened... If you try to hide something,
I can reject your case right away...I can not proceed further unless I am convinced that
your case was not fraudulent...
Me: (Told her the entire thing about both the earlier visits)

VO: How did the employer(H1-B) came to know about you?
Me: (Website thing)

VO: What did you pay?
Me: Nothing...

VO: Were you interviewed?
Me: Yes ma'am! Even by the client...

VO: Well! You can not say that... that could be any body...
Me: You are right... but that is what I was told...

VO: Even the pics you have produced are fake
Me: What?

VO: Your employer(H1-B) has a very bad record...
Me: I can not believe this...

VO: OK. This is what you need to do. Send us an affidavit saying that you want to withdraw
your H1-B petition...all the photographs given by your employer... and other application
forms... drop these in VFS
Me: OK ma'am...

Did the same as asked to... a couple of months later passports have reached me with
L1-Ind visa.

Moral: 1. Be true... never try to lie... you think you are smart... they are smarter...
2. Double check your employer's credentials before you commit...

Thanks,
Sachin.

Hi,

Firstly thanks to everyone here for sharing your experiences.this prepared me well and i had made questions banks and kept rehearsing !! i share my experience in detail.

i stayed in hotel palm groove,(very old),but nice hotel.it is just 3 mins walk from the US consulate.the service and food is very good....it was raining like hell in chennai when i went, so i took my umbrella with me.better keep checking weather forecast (www.weather.com) and keep watching sun news, so you will be prepared.....

my interview was on Nov 3,9:30AM.i had previous night itself done a small survey of the area, so that i will know where to stand for Visa Queque.I went by 8:30AM, and it was raining lightly. I took a plastic bag(dont carry anything else), and inside made folders with all relevant documents).I had kept passport and appointment letter outside itself.

basically to make it easy i made 5 folders.

FOLDER 1 : all visa required docs, ie, (better buy small A4 size plastic clip on folders, u will get in any shopping mall bookstore).
- DS 156(with 50mm by 50mm photo stuck to it),
- DS 157,
- DD (2400,favouring American Consulate General,Chennai, with Name and Passport Number written at backside of DD),
- HDFC Reciepts
- I-129 petition(original)
- I-797 - the original notice of approval.(keep this on top).
- LCA(original)
- Company Offer letter
- Company Letter to USCIS requesting for grant of H1B
- Passport

FOLDER 2 : COMPANY DOCS
- Company 12 pictures (inside,outside).
- Lease Agreement
- Tax Returns (i heard that they stopped asking that 4-5 months back itself, so if you dont have dont worry).
- W2 Forms of employees of company (again this is good to have,else forget it).
- Any company brochures,even website printouts will do.

FOLDER 3 : CLIENT LETTER AND PROJECT DETAILS
- Letter from client(if you will be working on client premises) else Software Agreement with Client(if it is client project but you will be working on employers premises only).
- SRS of Project.

FOLDER 4 : EXPERIENCE LETTERS
- Keep all present/previous companies offer letters in this folder.start with latest company and then older companies.
- All relieving letters.
- Salary Slips of 2-3 months(present company).
- Tax Returns Form 16, last 1-2 years.
In case you have not yet resigned from present company(in fact no one will resign till u get the visa!!), just request for employment proof letter from ur company saying u want personal loan..that is enough.letter should have your name,designation,working from period,and if possible department and client/project details).
- Any certifications you have.

FOLDER 5 : EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES
- Degree Certificate
- All Marks Cards of all Semesters
- X/XII marks cards.

Now the course of events in order, so u have idea what happes when.

Step 1: Security Check : Outside the consulate,there is one
security guy inside small cabin,he will check ur name in his list and he will ask for passport and appointment letter. he will then do some check and let you inside building.

Step 2: Green Folder preparation by VFS guys.
Now after security check he will guide you to counters for green folder document preparation.(dont worry at all, there are many indian VFS guys who will help you and guide you). just give them the FOLDER 1 ( i have listed above what documents are needed). they will take ur passport, fix the yellow HDFC receipt sticker on ur passport back,take ur DD staple it to passport and scan ur passport picture and DS 156 picture..... once all this is done, they will fill a pink form, and put all these documents in a green folder, and ask you to go to next building.

STEP 3 : Finger Scanning.
After u go to next building (which is just adjacent), the VFS consulate volunteer will ask you to join a counter for finger scanning.here the officer will ask you for your passport (the one with stapled DD) and will scan the barcode of the yellow sticker at back of passport that was stuck.then they will ask you to put your left index finger and the right index finger on a small scanning machine.make sure ur fingers are dry else just wipe with cloth !!!

STEP 4 : FINAL VO INTERVIEW !!!!!
once finger scanning is over the VFS guy will ask you to join a counter for VO interview. just keep all documents outside in folders so that ur ready to give them when they ask.better keep the FOLDER 5 on top because 99% they will ask ur degree certificate first.

my interview was very brief (just 2-3 mins) and was asked following questions.

1.Show me your degree certificate ?
2.Can you show me Client letter ?
3.Do you have MAsters degree ?
4.Do you have any letter from present company outlining your roles and responsibilites ? (showed him appointment letter).
5.Which company are you curently working for ?
6.Who is your client now ?
7.Do you have any certifications ?
8.Show me your employers pictures.

and then the golden words "you will get ur passport in 3 days." he will sign on the DS 156 form and keep your passport.he will return all documents he took.he will also give back the I-797 -- (the original notice of approval).some people miss this.please make sure before you leave that all documents are returned.after interview just sit on one of the chairs and calmly check if all docs are returned.

that is all.be quick, and fast.maintain eye contact at all times, be attentive.and stay calm.speak loudly and confidently.try not be nervous(it is easy to say this to others,but trust me, i was very very nervous too !!! my heart was beating like a piston !!but just dont show it outside and keep calm).

but friends i want to tell you one thing. DONT WORRY. once your H1B petition is approved, YOU WILL GET THE VISA. this is 100% sure.they will not reject anyone(unless you use any fake document), they will maximum give you a 221(g) sheet if they want more information.
so dont worry at all. YOU WILL GET THE VISA.and if u mess up first time, there will be a second chance.i have seen lot of people get so worried about getting it right first time itself, but dont worry if u cant make it first time.......
there are cases where even rejected VISA cases have been reopened and approved (if they are genuine) !!!!

and one sincere request to all. dont use any fake documents at all. no. dont. worst cum to worst they will give you a 221(g). dont ruin ur chances by producing fake douments.be honest.

so wishing all my friends here the very best of luck.just keep in mind this.THE VISA IS YOURS and you WILL GET IT. some people get it first time,some after 10 times, but YOU WILL GET IT.so be confident and have faith in god.

cheers,
guru.
ps: after visa interview go and have nice madras meals in hotel palm groove/dasprakash, or go to shopping complex Spencers, or the besanth nagar beach.... this will help you to divert your mind, and will help you plan your future course of action !! so dont forget to chill !!!

I got my H1-B Visa approval from Mumbai Consulate yesterday. I am a non-IT guy and going for an Accounting Job.

I took the following Documents:

1) Visa Issuance DD
2) Passport
3) Application visa fee original receipt issued by HDFC bank
4) Copy of interview appointment letter
5) Cover letter to American Consulate
6) Notice of Action – Approval Notice (Form I-797)
7) Company Support letter
8) Form I-129, Petition for a nonimmigrant worker
9) Form ETA 9035, Labour Condition Application
10) Credentials Evaluation
11) All original degree certificate
12) Original letters of experience
13) Job offer letter
14) 2 Color photographs with signature on the back.
15) Print out of firm website.
16) Pictures of office
17) My Bank Statements (6 months)
18) Firm Brochure
19) Resume
20) Business card



I was asked about my present and US employer and my Job responsibilities here and in US. I was also asked about the number of employees in my US Office. The VO asked me to show my degree certificate and no other documents.

The key is to prepare well and carry all the required documents. Be confident and relaxed (easier said then done).

Good Luck.

hi all
      My h1 is being done by GCP_INC.Anyone who had their experience with this consultancy please mail me ur experiences or people whose h1 is under process with this GCP_INC please share ur experiences.
                 Thanks in advance

This website is just awesome, I got all the necessary information about the interview from this website. And thanks to everybody who shared their experience on this site.

I will just narrate only the interview question, because this is the most important part of the whole process.

My background first, I have 4+ years of experience. 1st year in Manufacturing firm, 2 years in a top CAD development company, currently working for a CAD/CAM development company.

My degree, BE Mechanical Engineer.

Me: Good morning Sir.
VO: No answer.

VO: Since how long you have been working for the current employer?
Me: Past 8 months.

VO: Tell me about your previous experience?
Me: bhla bhla (briefly explained for 2 min)

VO: What business is the US-Company into?
Me: Explained that they are into CAM sector.

VO: What is your highest degree?
Me: BE, Mech (Since my work domain is manufacturing so did ask me question like why did you switch to software when you have a degree on Mechanical)

VO: Do you have supporting documents to prove your qualification?
Me: Yes, showed him my certificates, and degree certificates.

VO: Will you be working on the Client site?
Me: No, as we are a product based company, I will be working for my company in US. We actually develop software here, and the sales and support operations is carried out in the US.

VO: Okay, your Visa is approved and you will receive your passport in another 3 days.
Me: Thank you sir.

The key to attend these interview is, just be confident and answer the question in simple language and briefly. Don't worry it's not that difficult as it sounds.

All the best guys.

Thanks to all whoever shared their experiences.

At Interview:

Me: Good Afternoon Sir (with a smile).
VO: How are you Sir?
Me: Fine, Thank You.

VO: Which company you are going to?
Me: Company name, place, state.

VO: How did they select you?
Me: I applied to that company thru monster.com. They did three rounds of technical interview and got selected.

VO: Whatz your qualification?
Me: B.Tech in Computer Science.

VO: What grade?
Me: First Class with Distinction.
VO: Good.

VO: What is your work experience.
Me: x.y years in Software Development.

VO: Who is the Client?
Me: abcd

VO: What is your marriage date?
Me: yyyy/mmm/dd

VO: I am approving Visa. Have a nice trip to America.
Me: Thank you Sir. Have a nice day.

He did not ask for any more papers, proofs.
Interview was over in 2 minutes.

Hi Friends,

I would like to thank all for posting their valuable experience.
I was well prepared because i read the experiences here , I came to know what all documents are required and what kind of questions can be expected. As i was well prepared i was confident also.
Only thing i was worried, Even working in bangalore i took appointment in Delhi Consulate which is not as per VFS rule.

Here is my experience with the VO:
VO was a smart American guy in his early 30's. He called me raising his hand.
Me: GM
VO: No answer.
VO: which company are you going for?
Me: ZZZ
VO: I have not heard of this.
Me: Told about the company.
VO: How many people are working with this.
Me: n
VO: Which company are you currently working with?
Me: Told the Name.
VO: I have not heard about this too.
Me: I told the parent American Company's name.
VO: He says i have not heard about the American Company too.
(Here my morale goes down as the American company is a Fortune 500 company and he still does not know)
Me: (I started telling about the company.)
VO: OK I know. (I am relaxed)
What project will you be working?
Me: (I had the Project details with me as i came to know abt same here)I told.
(As I told him the name of the client, He asked me again and to spell it. I did but there he was confused about the "A" or "E", so made me repeat so many times and he looked furious, finally i said its A for America and spell it again.It looked to me that he was checking me how i handle him. This project is a search engine)
VO: How do you think this search engine will compete with Google.
Me: I really dont know the business model of this project.
VO: What will be your role.
Me: I told.
VO: Why you think that out of around 300 million people in US they are not finding any person suitable for this.
Me: I dont deny that people will not be available but i have the expertise in this kind of profile and have a vast experience in the similar work.
VO: (After some time). Your passport will come by Courier in 3-4 days.
Me: Thanks and Good day.
(Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Thanks to the people who posted their experiences here)
(Parallely at another counter my wife also got Visa stamped)

So, Be ready with all the details related to Project and Client.
Good luck to all.

Vipzz

Hi friends...

Thanks for sharing all your experiences..

I got my H1 visa stamped today.

Actually I lost my HDFC receipt (yellow one) yesterday and I thought I would not be allowed and almost gave it up. But still I went to chennai and in the morning I called VFS helpline and explained them the situation. The told me to get a new receipt and submit it along with the xerox of the old receipt. Immediately I went to HDFC bank and got one and finally everything went well.

I can only say one thing. Now Chennai embassy is in a big mood to issue as many visas as possible. Please make use of this opportunity.

All the best. Be confident.

I had finished my interview, on 27th oct
But It is pending.
Still n ow i didnt got any call or mailfrom Them

They gave me blue form saying that " Your application requires additional Administrative Processing before a final Decision can be made,This office will contact you once this administrative processing is complete"

Interview had gone smooth

Can any give me te suggestion what may be result
Regards
Narendra babu

Hi,

First I'd like to thank all those who contributed to his forum and helped me prepare for my interview.

After the initial greetings, the VO asked me the following questions:

VO: Have you ever been to the US before?
Me: No

VO: Why do you want to go to the US?
Me : to work on a project for one of our clients.

VO: Which Client?
Me : YYYYY

VO: What's your total experience?
Me: 4+ years

VO: How long have you been associated with ZZZZ(my current employer)?
Me: 2 years

Then the VO typed something in his computer and uttered the golden words "You'll get your passport in 3 working days".

It was all done in about 5 min flat.

So folks, just read your documents, know the details, and most importantly BE CONFIDENT & SMILE.